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7.09.2018

Six Easy Ways to Live a Sustainable Summer

Its a journey I accidentally started and a journey I'm loving. What journey am I talking about? I'm talking about my accidental journey to being more mindful with what I use daily in an attempt to lead a more authentic life. At the beginning of the year I decided to go cruelty free with my make up and that lead me down a spiral of trying to be more green with my living. In this post I share how I've cut my reliance on paper towels & disinfectant wipes and now I want to share with you a couple of ways I plan to be more green this Summer.

First off I want to say that it is all a journey. I don't plan to live zero waste (yet I totally applaud those who do!). I just want to be more conscious of what I do. The fact that several cities have now banned the plastic straw and even more cities have banned the plastic bag has really pushed me to be the change I want to see. But it isn't about being that girl who doesn't use bags and has her own straw its about genuine effort towards making yourself (and thus the world) a better place. The easiest place to make change is in your own home right? Then you can hope that your actions inspire others.

With that said, here are 6 ways to be more sustainable this summer:

Reusable Aluminum Straws

I don't know about you but Summer often means a lot of drive-thrus and nights out. I plan to refuse straws this summer as much as I can. In addition to filling my reusable cup or water bottle for road trips, I plan to snatch up a pack of these to bring with me on summer vacation. A lot of these reusable straws seem to be compatible with standard tumblers so you're not going to lose out on drinking from your favorite cup!

Pack your own Travel Snacks

We all stop at the gas station or jump in the line at the airport for a quick travel snack, right? Why not pack your own snacks? I've got two reasons here - the first being sustainability and the second being its going to save you money! Gas station and airport snacks can cost an arm & a leg so throwing some snacks in your bag prior to take off will mean you're saving your moolah.

You can bring snacks on a plane, no problem. You might want to invest in these clear, reusable & resealable bags if you're bringing that sandwich in your carry on but for road trips (or a jaunt out on the boat) consider these super nifty beeswax wraps. I am totally going to try to make some of these beeswax wraps in the future - Zach got some beeswax from a local beekeeper and we've been dying to try any & all projects with it!

Reusable One Cup Coffee Pods

This is something I've been doing for a while now when it comes to travel - using a reusable coffee pod for the Keurig. Everyone I know has one so when I travel home I make sure to bring my k-cup and my coffee filters. There is so much waste when it comes to these single use pods. I mean the whole body of that pod is plastic and you just toss it in the trash! This is the brand I use and I can find them at Meijer or online from Amazon. I also need to start using these at work instead of relying on the k-cups.

Compostable Cutlery

We're all going to have a BBQ or two to go to this summer and there will be disposable cutlery galore. I implore you this summer to invest in compostable cutlery & plates. I purchased some for a small gathering but you can totally grab a giant box from Amazon. This set is just under $30 for 100 forks, 100 spoons, & 100 knives. Seriously, I think that is affordable! Don't forget the plates & the cups, too.

Avoid Fast Fashion

Will that beach hat or cover up last through a few seasons of wear? Is it on trend enough for just one summer or classic enough for a couple? This summer, avoid fast fashion like those dollar store flip flops or super trendy sun hat & opt for things that will last you a few summers. Amazon has these amazing, natural rubber flip flops that look (and apparently feel) like your standard summer wear. I know that LuLaRoe is technically a fast fashion brand but I've used the Lindsay kimono & Sara cardigan at the lake multiple seasons. This means I'm getting both fall & summer use out of these guys!

Reusable Bags

Summer means outdoor markets and downtown shopping for a lot of us! Heck even if you're just going to the mall consider bringing a reusable bag or two. I like the ones that can fold up and fit right back into a smaller pouch so you can throw them into your purse. Use them for groceries or for your handmade market finds. Plus if you're going to the beach these guys can act as your wet bag form when you change from your swim suit. The nylon often dries quickly so you can fold it right back up after you hang your suit to dry.

Like I mentioned above, for me this journey isn't about being perfect. This journey is about realizing our impact & taking what we do seriously. We can be mindful of our actions and make a conscious choice to change it. These are just six ways to be more sustainable for the summer but I'm sure these guys can last you all year!

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My green journey started with my introduction to essential oils. These guys are a great natural & sustainable way to help you with emotional & physical wellness (and there are a ton that are perfect for the summer!) If you'd like to know more about the natural power of essential oils - use them in your cleaning routine, for your skin care, to boost immunity, etc - enter your email above to get a FREE copy of my ebook Getting Started with Essential Oils.

How will you live sustainably this summer? What actions are you already taking?

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I'm Moe, a 9-5er, Southern at Heart, Indiana transplant & sweet tea enthusiast who believes she should try her hand at something new every day. Five Sixteenths is a blog about living a fulfilling & creative life one moment at a time.